Advert For Briggs Brothers, Watchmakers, Jewellers & Opticians

Opticians were still viewed with some suspicion in the 19th century and were often forced to set up business as watch sellers or jewellery makers and to have a small optical section at the side of the store. During the early 1900's spectacles the working classes would have been purchased from street peddlers. Usually these were simple magnifying glasses. It was only the rich who could afford to visit the opticians.